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‘May Your Tears Never Dry’ – Nigerians Attack American OAP, Smith, Who Denigrated D’Tigers
Nigerians have taken to popular microblogging site, social media to excoriate, Stephen Smith, over his condescending remarks following the nation’s basketball team, D’Tigers’ victory over the USA basketball team.
Smith is an American sports television personality, sports radio host, and sports journalist who also works as a commentator on ESPN’s First Take, where he appears with Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim.
Trouble ensued after the Nigerian team scored an incredible 20 three-pointers and took control of the game.
At a point, the team was leading the Americans, who are rated fourth globally, by 24 points.
Nigeria eventually upset Team USA 90-87 in Las Vegas that Saturday night.
As reported by Yahoo Sports, “The American men’s team — headlined by NBA stars such as Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal — fell 90-87 to Nigeria in its first of five exhibition games before the Olympics in Tokyo.”
And, while the American team featured NBA All-Stars throughout its rotation, Nigeria had the likes of Precious Achiuwa and Gabe Vincent of the Miami Heat and Chimezie Metu of the Sacramento Kings, all headlined by former Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown.
Nigeria rode a torrent of 3-pointers to victory, making 20 attempts from deep to shock the overwhelming gold medal favourites.
It may be recalled that when the Americans met Nigeria nine years ago, it was a 156-73 USA win. The Saturday encounter was therefore stunningly shocking for pundits who had expected the match to be a stroll in the park for the American team.
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Reacting to the outcome, Smith blurted in his widely circulated video embedded here: “[To lose to] some dude Gabe Nnamdi, who goes by Gabe Vincent for the Miami Heat. Or Caleb Agada. Or Nma … however the hell you pronounce his name…”
See the video containing the name butchering as posted by Stephen A Smith via his own verified Twitter handle @stephenasmith:
This is exactly what needed to said about TEAM USA!!! pic.twitter.com/duH385AlwR
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 12, 2021
However, Smith comments drew the ire of Nigerians on Twitter who took turns to lampoon the African-American on air personality.
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1.Nigeria is a World power in basketball. Olajuwon, Raptors Prez Ujiri, Celtics Coach Udoka, Giannis, Ayton, Oladipo, Ariza, Iguodala, OG Anunoby, Aminu, 6 on the Heat; WNBA Ogwumike sisters, Liz Cambage, Arike, and many in College. Nigeria's team has 8 with NBA experience.
— Obong Itata , Esq.???? (@ObongItata) July 12, 2021
Their names being mispronounced as if they were irrelevant to society is what needed to be said??
— Cliff Trippa ?? (@CliffKanu) July 12, 2021
I thought I wasn't gonna see some thunder striking comment buh you proved to be a Nigerian. Better thunder go fire am
— deeone ? (@SmartFilatei) July 12, 2021
May your tears never dry.
Thunder fire you!
— Henry Shield (@henryshield) July 12, 2021
It is just a game of basketball ? You do not need to be so disrespectful of @NigeriaBasket for being BLACK! AFRICAN! NIGERIAN!
We feel your pain and we will continue to pray for your LOST soul.
The worst form of slavery is MENTAL SLAVERY!
Seek help.
??✊?✅ pic.twitter.com/Bq2ocEjEzL
— Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí ?? (@ogundamisi) July 12, 2021
The United States is a scary place if the supposedly enlightened folks think like this.
— Lidocaine ?? (@trending_medic) July 12, 2021
Black man having trouble pronouncing black name
Cos he American
But he can pronounce popovich
And cries racism from time to time
— Mazi Ochendu of Chelsea FC (@proleephic) July 12, 2021
Coming back to this. For someone who is a product of slavery, you are unnecessarily classist and unintelligent.
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) July 13, 2021
There is nothing that reflects the damage of slavery more than an idiotic descendant of slaves being racist to fellow blacks. Imagine if this was said by a white?
— Ayò-Bánkólé Akíntújoyè (@AyoBankole) July 12, 2021
This is how they feel about us? Yet when Black Americans are down, we scream BLM with all our might?? ‘ I don’t know how the hell to pronounce his name’?real sad
— Mmaette (@fonicka08) July 12, 2021
This is so disrespectful and shameful coming from you. Not only as a black man, but as a seasoned vet in this game (media and basketball). We Africans who have been fans of your work for years must be disgusted by your attitude and words in this clip. @stephenasmith
— Ayo Shonaiya (@AyoShonaiya) July 12, 2021
Were you born this stupid or did you grow into it?
You have the right to remain silent because whatever you say will still be stupid anyway.
— Rinu #EndSARS?? (@SavvyRinu) July 12, 2021
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